ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

Don’t ignore these 15 warning signs of esophageal cancer

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer.

Warning signs of esophageal cancer

Difficulty swallowing
Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions.

Acid reflux
Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the food pipe. Chronic acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus. It is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, making it more susceptible to developing cancer.

Chest pain
Another symptom of esophageal cancer is chest pain. This results from cancer cells have invaded the chest or the back wall. This chest discomfort can be constant, or it may come and go. Some might even experience worsening pain over time. However, various other conditions share this symptom, so it is important to have yourself examined by a health expert immediately.

Unintentional loss of body mass
Another symptom of esophageal cancer can be body mass loss without trying. This change in body mass is because cancer cells eat up the energy from the body’s reserves. It can also happen when patients find it hard to eat enough food due to the trouble they face while swallowing. It can also indicate the spread of cancer to other body parts. Any significant, rapid change in body mass should be evaluated by a doctor as it is a concerning symptom.

Chronic cough or wheezing
Persistent coughing and wheezing can be symptoms of esophageal cancer. Chronic cough can occur when the tumor presses onto the vocal cords or when cancer cells make their way to the lungs. Chronic cough and wheezing can result from other health concerns, so it is important to consult a doctor to get tested.

Regurgitation of foods or fluids
Esophageal cancer can cause regurgitation of foods and fluids. Regurgitation is when undigested food or liquids travel back to the mouth or the esophagus. It can occur when the tumor physically obstructs the esophagus or when cancerous cells spread to the stomach.

Unexplained vomiting
Vomiting can also be considered a symptom of esophageal cancer. It can occur when cancer cells enter the stomach or the tumor obstructs the esophagus. Unexplained vomiting can also indicate that cancer has metastasized to other body parts.

Chronic indigestion
Chronic indigestion can also be considered a sign of esophageal cancer. It can happen if cancer cells or tumor affects the digestive system’s regular functioning. Some other problems that can arise include nausea, bloating, and discomfort after eating.

Hoarseness
Change in voice or hoarseness can also be considered a sign of esophageal cancer. This change results from a tumor pressing on the person’s vocal cords or when cancer has reached the throat. If someone experiences a change in voice or persistent hoarseness, it is important to get it examined by a doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom shared by various health conditions and types of cancer, including esophageal cancer. It can occur due to the disease or be a side effect of a particular treatment. Fatigue may necessitate lifestyle adjustments on the patient’s part, as it can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

Hiccups
In rare cases, persistent hiccups can occur as a sign of esophageal cancer. When tumors irritate the diaphragm, it causes spasms that result in hiccups. While hiccups are not generally a cause of concern, persistent hiccups must be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Usually, hiccups last a few minutes, but if it doesn’t resolve, they can indicate a severe underlying condition.

Bone pain
Esophageal cancer can metastasize to other body parts, including spreading to the bones. It can give rise to bone pain in the hips, back, and other parts of the body. A patient can experience severe bone pain that can impact their ability to perform day-to-day tasks. If esophageal cancer has made its way to the bones, it may be considered an advanced stage of cancer and may call for aggressive treatment.

Swelling of the abdomen
Fluid buildup and swelling of the abdomen can occur in the advanced stages of esophageal cancer. It occurs when cancer has spread into the abdominal cavity. It can cause bloating, discomfort, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of fullness.

Bloody stools
The disease can also cause bleeding in the digestive tract. It is reflected in the form of blood in the stools. The stools may appear blood red or black and tarry.

Shoulder pain
If esophageal cancer has spread to other organs in the body, it can result in shoulder pain. It happens when the cancer cells press on the nerves running through the shoulder and chest.

Popular Reads

11 useful tips for anxiety management

Nearly 84% of participants in a particular mental health survey were said to have some form of anxiety. The severity of symptoms did vary from person to person, but the fact remains that we live in a world where almost everything is a potential trigger for anxiety. And living in denial about having a psychological trigger only worsens the problem. Luckily, it is possible to manage anxiety by following the suggestions recommended by experts. Identify the triggers Anxiety is mainly triggered due to an event or episode where one finds themselves in a difficult position. It could be something that puts a person out of their comfort zone. Doctors advise people to identify these triggers and avoid them. Any comment, action, or situation that did not work out in favor triggers anxiety. So, make a list of such events and instances and ignore them the next time something happens related to that event. At the same time, try to remain positive as it can help strengthen the mind to manage anxiety better. Keep busy Distraction is one of the simplest ways to prevent a panic or anxiety attack. You can perform simple chores or indulge in a favorite task to stay physically and mentally occupied for a few hours. When the mind is occupied, there is hardly any scope for negative thoughts to trigger unnecessary overthinking. Some creative activities to boost cognitive performance include taking a walk, painting, drawing, listening to music, meditating, praying, and reading. You can opt for any of these to stay busy. Try mindfulness techniques Deep breathing and mindfulness techniques have helped thousands overcome their fear or anxiety time and again. Focused deep breathing is a method where one inhales for four counts and exhales for the same duration; this is practiced for minutes. It helps lower heart rate, which, in turn, calms the mind and body.

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications. Causes Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery. Symptoms A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination. But some people experience signs and symptoms before a diagnosis. A few common symptoms of AFib include being unable to exercise to one’s full potential, feelings of weakness, throbbing pain in the chest, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and sensations of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, and feeling extremely fatigued. Therefore, the symptoms of atrial fibrillation differ from one person to the other. Occasional symptoms (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) Here, a person may experience something that lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Macular degeneration – Types, causes, and remedies

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects a person’s vision and develops as people age. This progressive eye disorder involves the deterioration of the macula, which is a part of the eye’s retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and may develop in one or both eyes. This condition is of two main types – dry and wet. Read further to learn about the disorder, its causes, and its types. Dry macular degeneration People are more likely to have dry macular degeneration than wet form. It is also less severe and develops when tiny yellow protein deposits under the macula. These deposits dry and thin the macula, causing gradual central vision loss while the peripheral vision remains intact. In the advanced stages, the dry form can progress to the wet form. People with dry macular degeneration need to test their eyes daily at home using an Amsler grid. One must consult a health expert immediately if any vision changes are observed. Wet macular degeneration In this condition, the blood vessels grow beneath the retina and macula and cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This build-up of fluid results in scarring, leading to permanent loss of central vision. The wet form can cause a sudden change in eyesight resulting in a severe loss of centralized vision when left untreated. People with wet macular degeneration may require repeated treatments. Symptoms Macular degeneration may not cause any symptoms during the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, it can cause distortion and blurry vision. It can result in difficulty reading, driving, and identifying colors. Macular degeneration occurs mainly in people aged over 50. Blurred vision Dark, blurry areas appear in the center of the vision, leading to increased blurriness in reading printed words. Visual distortion The person may experience visual distortions, such as straight lines that look wavy or crooked, and objects may appear distorted.